Provinces learn their opponents as Champions Cup and Challenge Cup pool draws made
The draws took place at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon.
The draws took place at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon.
The reigning champions found themselves 14-0 down, but advance to meet the four-time champs.
An update from SRU chief operating officer Dominic McKay, who is a Pro14 board member.
Covid-19 has ended France’s top division after 17 rounds.
April 4 and 5 will be an unmissable weekend of rugby.
Head coach Dan McFarland has made just two changes to the team that beat Munster last Friday.
A training ground injury for Matt Healy has forced Friend to switch John Porch to fullback.
Tadhg Furlong, Rob Kearney and Scott Fardy head up a vastly experienced Leinster bench.
Jeremy Loughman scored and created a brilliant try on his first European start, but James Cronin’s late try could prove invaluable.
Hot favourites for the opener and the tournament, Leinster don’t just switch on for Europe by accident.
The northern province have won all four meetings with Bath in Europe, but continuing the trend will be a difficult task today.
Garry Ringrose, Jordan Larmour, James Ryan and Josh van der Flier also return to the Leinster side.
Frank Murphy, Andrew Brace and George Clancy will take charge of pool stage fixtures next month.
The Ballymount broadcaster will show six pool games.
Beaten finalists Leinster will go up against Lyon, Northampton and Benetton.
The Ireland vice-captain bristles at the criticism Ireland have been dealt, but is swiftly moving on to push Munster on in Edinburgh.
Plus, a high quality Challenge Cup competition is an exciting prospect.
Three seasons ago, Leinster were hammered twice by Wasps in Europe.
The Irish provinces are back in European action in the coming weeks.
Ulster will meet Simon Zebo’s Racing 92 and Scarlets while, in the Challenge Cup, Connacht have been pitted against Sale, Bordeaux and Perpignan.
The western province refused to lie down as they shared eight tries with the Premiership side.
The 21-year-old, who made his debut for Ireland over the summer, is excited at the prospect of being involved in the Champions Cup tomorrow.
Dan Carter’s in there too, but the EPCR panel couldn’t find room for any Irish players.
Plus, where and when you can watch mighty Connacht (and the rest) in action.
*In Europe, and also 6,000 kilometers away in central Russia.
A little earlier than planned, but Munster won’t shirk the need to play knockout cup rugby in England today.
Joe Schmidt’s coaching and expectation levels will lift the standards in the southern province.
Despite a shaky start to the season, Munster are favourites on their opening European road trip.
The sides meet this Saturday and the lock is aiming to avoid a repeat of the 2005 trip to Edgeley Park.
Six countries, 12 teams, three pools: let’s get it on!
Ulster and Leinster fans will be watching their side live on BT in the opening round of fixtures.
Mark Anscombe and Anthony Foley have been handed excitingly tough groups for the Rugby Champions Cup.
The end for the Heineken Cup is all but confirmed.
Suddenly, the future looks just a little bit brighter for the Heineken Cup.
A statement was released last night with officials set to reconvene on 19 February.
‘It is yet to be explained why bringing an additional £12m into the game is not in the best interests of Welsh rugby.’
“The meeting will look at the future of English and European rugby over the next five years.”
Mark McCafferty appears willing to rejoin the existing European Cup, but still wants a structure to replace the ERC.
The parties will meet again early next month.
Plus news of Simon Easterby’s shock win over Conor O’Shea’s Harlequins.